Episode 58 of the Love That Album podcast has finally shaken off the curse….yes, Dr Geoff Smith has finally overcome internet dropouts, Skype collapse, my previously poor file editing skills – all collectively known as the Hiatt Curse – to join John Stirrat and myself to discuss some BROOOOOCCCCE. This is Love That Album’s third Bruce-cast. (Check out episodes 1 and 17 for further Springsteen0related chat).

Since the beginning of the 21st Century, Bruce Springsteen has found new strength and purpose. He’s been touring heavily with the beloved E Street band, and recorded (for a major artist in the current age of rock) at a prolific rate. Early 2014 has seen him release High Hopes, an album some believe should be called Tracks 2. It’s a collection of songs written over the last 10 years that didn’t make the cut on previous recordings, as well as some interesting covers. We grapple the big questions: Does the album work as one artistic statement or is it just a grab bag of songs that have no connection? Is he following similar lines to Wrecking Ball or does he cut a different path? Is the E Street Band the most hip-shaking, love-making, Viagra-taking musical entity on the planet? There is much discussion on the current tour of Australia, the last decade of Bruce-related music, and if Bruce is an overtly political songwriter.

Eric Reanimator’s “Album I Love” segment appropriately for a Bruce show is Alejandro Escovedo’s 2008 album Real Animal.

You can download the podcast at iTunes by searching for “love that album”. You can stream or download it at “http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com”.